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Guest Ranches & Rodeos

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa - Clinton, BC | Blake Jorgenson

From Ashcroft in the south to north of Quesnel and west into the Chilcotin wilderness, BC’s “Land without Limits” is the province’s go-to destination for rodeos, rustic guest ranches and resort-style luxury. It’s also cattle country, real cattle country, where riding enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the local cowboy culture in unique ways – guided by experienced cowhands who are more than happy to share their appreciation of this iconic way of life.

Travellers in the Cariboo Chilcotin can bunk at a working ranch as an aspiring cowhand and experience hands-on riding and roping, branding and herding, or sign up for a horse-whispering workshop and practice “horse language” – to forge the ultimate bond between man and animal. A 14-day expedition into the mountains of Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park leads to an archaeological site near an obsidian quarry of special significance to the Carrier people. Other treks include guiding herds from winter feedlots to summer pastures (or back again in the fall), and days spent riding the Tchaikazan-Yohetta Valley Loop or the Chilcotin’s Potato Range that morph into trail-side lake retreats by dusk, with tents pitched in secluded meadows and fat trout reeled in for the supper fry pan.

In fact the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is home to more than half of the province’s guest ranches, ranging from those that provide gourmet restaurants, swimming pools, hot tubs, full-service spas and the full “glamping” experience (“designer” camping) to those offering a more rustic, traditional Canadian experience featuring the stuff cowboy dreams are made of: guitars and cowboy songs and tall tales around a campfire, bunking down in an old-fashioned log cabin or sleeping under the stars in a snug bedroll and waking at dawn to the howl of a distant coyote and the aroma of coffee, baked beans and bacon crisping over an open flame.

Or, here’s your chance to relax with a massage after a long day’s ride, to catch a rodeo, to videotape the skills and courage of both riders and animals – to treat your sweetheart to a distinctively western glamping experience. No matter what your wild west dream is, the region’s ranch hands are experts at matching horse to rider, at ensuring both novices and experts are fitted with the ‘right’ in-the-saddle getaway – from family-friendly, low-impact trail rides through aspen and jack-pine forests to multi-hour saddle treks featuring arid, sagebrush-covered vistas stretching as far as the eye can see.

For those keen to learn more about cowboy history, a visit to the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake is another must. Exhibits here are dedicated to preserving and honouring BC cowboys and cowgirls of the past and present, including how cowboys and cattlemen tamed BC’s Wild West. The museum also houses the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, and its annual Hall of Fame inauguration (held at the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo in April) is an opportunity to meet BC.’s ranching and rodeo pioneers.

For a more current take on cowboy culture, the big, outdoor Williams Lake Stampede in July is a sanctioned Pro-Rodeo event showcasing bareback, saddle-bronc and bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling and barrel-racing events that draw contestants and spectators from around the world. BC Rodeo Association-sponsored events can also be found throughout the region, including local rodeos staged in 100 Mile House, Clinton, Ashcroft, Bella Coola, Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Interlakes, Redstone and Quesnel – with each rodeo reflecting the spirit of that community, and offering its own special twist on the traditional rodeo format. The Quesnel rodeo is an example of this, complemented by the city’s Billy Barker Days, for which townsfolk parade about in their finest 1860s garb while enjoying festival activities. Bella Coola’s annual attraction tempts all comers to try their luck at cow patty bingo. The communities of Anahim Lake, Nemiah and Redstone champion a series of First Nations rodeo events. Children are the stars of spring’s Little Britches Rodeo in 100 Mile House (featuring such entertaining highlights as mutton busting, goat tying and dummy roping). Clinton’s May extravaganza features a full-on Western Heritage Week, with cowboy poetry readings and western musical performances and an old-time ball.

The rodeo season which kicks off in Williams Lake in April with indoor events and wraps up in September as Quesnel hosts the year-end BC Rodeo Association Finals. All season long, rodeo dances are also alive and well throughout the region, showcasing traditional western music and those famous cowboy manners. Rest assured, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down.

Accommodations and Activities in Guest Ranches & Rodeos

WHERE EVERY COWBOY SETTLES IN
At Big Bar Ranch, we welcome all kids and pets! We love animals and families as we believe this adds to the fun! With farm animal encounters, pony rides, wildlife, paddle boats, canoes and lawn…

Big Creek Lodge offers a full program of activities, including trail riding, cattle drives, camp trips plus excellent fishing, wilderness hiking, hunting and nearly all winter activities. There is also a special program for photographers, wildlife enthusiast, and those simply…

Here at Chilcotin Holidays, each and every wilderness adventure will allow you to fully engage and bond with the natural world around you. Our wilderness adventures will empower you; allowing you to reconnect with nature and yourself. Chilcotin Holidays’ philosophies…

A family oriented resort located in a beautiful and quiet wilderness setting, with seven cozy family size log cabins and eight campsites with fire pits. The resort is located on 8 acres at the west end of Eagan Lake with…

For some people it is simply paradise, for others the best fly fishing spot in the area, yet others love the tranquility of our cozy resort.
For all of us, staying at Fawn Lake Resort is like coming home to…

“Recreation In The Saddle” – the ideal holiday!
* For Horse lovers* For Families* For Outdoor people*
* Horseback Riding to your Heart’s Desire* Country Lifestyle* Great Outdoor Adventures
Experience Canada! The impressing nature of British Columbia in Canada’s far…

Are you ready for a little winter wonderland adventure with ice fishing, snowshoeing and playing some pond hockey?
Enjoy staying in a warm and cozy log cabin, to relax after a day of adventure.
You may again go out after…

Nimpo Lake Resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the wonders of the West Chilcotin scenery and wildlife. Our restful lake-side resort offers modernized log cabins with country charm. Each cabin has a private deck and firepit. Cabins…

This National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World is renowned as a top luxury wilderness resort, guest ranch, and eco-retreat. Here you can explore BC’s back country by foot, mountain bike, canoe, helicopter, or horseback. Hone in on your love…

Come and experience a peaceful get-away as the guests of the Barkowsky family. Tucked in the heart of British Columbia’s Cariboo Country, Spring Lake Guest Ranch is a natural paradise, near 100 Mile House. The newly finished golden log cabins…

Come away and experience authentic Canadian Mountain living immersed in the Taseko wilderness area. Come Explore beautiful back country and enjoy a simpler, richer way of life. Come be inspired with invigorating sights, good food, cozy beds, and exhilarating activities…

A Canadian Guest Ranch Experience awaits in one of the most unspoiled areas of the Chilcotin BC district: Terra Nostra Guest Ranch on Lake Clearwater. Enjoy a walk, hiking or horseback riding in unspoiled nature, or explore the lake by…

The Lodge is located in Riske Creek on the Chilcotin Plateau, not far from the confluence of the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers. It is also close to both the Junction Sheep Range Park which contains a large herd of California…

Recognized as the expert guides to the South Chilcotin and pioneers of floatplane accessed multi-day backcountry mountain travel, Tyax Adventures has been sharing the magic of British Columbia’s South Chilcotin mountains with guests for 20 years. Our expert and service…

Over the July 1st long weekend each and every year, Williams Lake, BC, rolls out the welcome mat as visitors arrive from around the world to enjoy several days of Canadian Professional Rodeo Association action at the World Famous Williams…

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